2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is — First Drive

BMW has offered high-performance M versions of the last two generations of its Z3 and Z4 sports cars, but not this time. The 2011 Z4 sDrive35is is the next best thing.

The Bavarians jolt the performance of their little roadster with S-level status.

When typical car nuts see that "M" insignia on the trunk lid of a BMW, they almost unconsciously say, "Sweet!" Why? Because they know the M designation means that Bimmer is a posh and powerful beast, tweaked at the factory to a higher level of performance than the standard assembly line fare. But M isn't the only letter BMW uses to symbolize performance. It also uses "S."

The S is the brand's performance level set between regular trims and those specifically modified by M GmbH, the creator of the brand's most powerful, speed-hungry machines. The line was born in the 1980s when the E21 320is hit world markets, and ever since it has served as a happy medium for buyers wanting a tad more speed for a smaller price premium. While BMW hasn't used the S designation often, it is adding an S version to the Z4 lineup for 2011, raising the little roadster's performance quotient to a level that BMW fans have wanted for years.

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Model Lineup
The 2011 BMW Z4 is offered in three trims: the base sDrive30i, the more powerful sDrive35i and the new sDrive35is. All are 2-seat roadsters with a power-retractable hardtop. Standard equipment on the 30i is extensive and includes leatherette upholstery, a height-adjustable driver's seat, air conditioning, cruise control, power locks and windows, heated power mirrors, remote keyless entry, an AM/FM/CD stereo with HD radio, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive bi-xenon headlights and P225/45R17 tires on alloy wheels. The 35i adds leather upholstery, automatic climate control, aluminum interior trim and larger P245/40R17 rear tires.

The new sDrive35is is enhanced with equipment meant to improve performance, including BMW's adaptive M suspension; M Sport steering wheel, seats and gearshift; unique interior trim; exterior aerodynamic enhancements; and 18-inch wheels. Exclusive 19-inch wheels are also offered.

Safety features on all Z4s include dual front airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, anti-lock brakes, roll bars, a tire-pressure monitor, traction control and electronic stability control. Manual transmission cars also have a hill-holder clutch to prevent the car from rolling backward when starting on an incline.